We have already seen some big moves and yet there's still a month to go before the Trade Deadline, which also means, in many fantasy leagues, your own trade deadline is looming as well. This is the time of year when player values fluctuate, whether from actual trades or the buzz of a fresh start with a new team. Below are 10 players floating around on trade boards that could see a short-term or long-term spike in value if they land in the right situation. That boost might win you your league or maybe a week or two. Obviously, we are not including major names that have already been moved such as JT Miller or Mikael Granlund. Although those players would have been at the top of my list. Here we go!

10. Seth Jones (Chicago Blackhawks)

You have probably come across chatter of Seth Jones being on the trade block, but I'm not fully convinced it's happening anytime soon. With a $9.5 million AAV and five years left, moving him won't be easy. That said, since it's trade deadline season, let's play along. Jones still has the potential to be a top-tier No. 1 defenseman, but his time in Chicago has been inconsistent for his contract. Any deal would likely require Chicago to retain salary. However, IF that happens, the team acquiring him would instantly be a Cup contender. He is an all-around defender who can log minutes and contribute offensively. Wouldn't it be wild!

9. Nick Roberston (Toronto Maple Leafs)

The Leafs need to win this year, like every year. Mitch Marner's having a career season – coincidently it’s a contract year and chances are he is not going anywhere. But to make a deep playoff run, they need some tweaks. Nick Robertson could be part of a trade to bring in a missing piece. Robertson requested a trade over the summer and nothing came of it. Under Craig Berube, he hasn't found his footing, and a change of scenery could be best for him if it benefits the Leafs. He still has the skill to be impactful on a team willing to give him more ice time to develop. Not a must-grab, but worth monitoring.

8. Ryan O'Reilly (Nashville Predators)

The Predators are showing signs of life, but it might be too little, too late. With the playoffs looking like a long shot, Nashville could shift focus to stocking up on young talent or picks while keeping their core intact. That makes Ryan O'Reilly a prime trade candidate. An experienced, two-way center who could bolster a contender's middle six or even slot into a top-line role, depending on their depth. He thrives in key situations and racks up valuable fantasy stats like faceoff wins. If he moves to a Cup-chasing team, his value could get a nice boost.

7. Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks)

With Miller now calling the City That Never Sleeps home, you would think the Canucks are done making big moves like this, again. Well, the rumor mill suggests otherwise, Vancouver might not be finished just yet. Teams are reportedly kicking the tires on Elias Pettersson, though his price tag would likely surpass what was floated for Mikko Rantanen. That said, with Miller already gone, the odds of Pettersson moving seem slim in my eyes, but never say never. The NHL has given us plenty of wild trades before. If he does get dealt, he would instantly become the biggest name being moved and a game-changer for any team lucky enough to land him.

6. Bowen Byram (Buffalo Sabres)

While there's no confirmation yet that Bowen Byram is being shopped by the Sabres, it does not stop teams from inquiring. Byram is stuck behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power in the pecking order, so his production is limited. On a 39-point pace, he's stayed healthy, in the lineup, and with RFA status looming, it's clear there will be no shortage of suitors. As a key piece or a top-pairing defenseman, Byram's elite skating and ability to log heavy minutes are things most teams are willing to pay for.

5. John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks)

At some point, this has to happen, right? It feels like we've been talking about a John Gibson trade for at least three years now. Both he and the Ducks have been ready to move on, but his contract has always been the roadblock. With just two years left at $6.4M, there is finally a real chance more teams take a serious look. From a fantasy perspective, Gibson isn't the elite goalie he once was, but he could still be valuable on a legitimate contender. If he lands somewhere with actual goal support and a competent defense—so, basically anywhere but Anaheim—he's worth keeping an eye on.

4. Gustav Nyquist (Nashville Predators)

Gustav Nyquist had a career year with the Predators last season, posting 23 goals and 52 assists for 75 points. His closest point total to that was 60 points in 2018-2019 with Detroit and San Jose. Much like Ryan O’Reilly (above), Nyquist could be used as trade bait by the Predators to re-tool for next season. Set to become a UFA at year's end and although he is 34, he is still talented and could be an impactful addition for a contender looking for offensive depth.

3. Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)

It has been a rough year for Cozens. Many, myself included, expected him to take the next step and give Buffalo a strong one-two punch down the middle with Tage Thompson. That has not materialized yet, though it is still possible. However, the patience within the organization is running thin, and Cozens has received more trade buzz than any other Sabre this season. His drop in production stands out, especially after signing that $49.7 million deal to be a key piece in Buffalo’s future. With his pedigree, Cozens can still be a solid second-line center, so keep an eye on his situation, he will be worth the pickup.

2. Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canauks)

Boeser might be one of the easier pieces for Vancouver to move, given he is in the final stretch of his three-year, $6.65M deal. At 28, he's coming off a career-best 40-goal season and is on pace for 62 points this year with 16 goals and 17 assists. Skating on the top line with Pettersson only boosts his value, especially if he heats up before the deadline. Teams like Minnesota and Boston could come calling for some extra scoring punch. With Kirill Kaprizov sidelined long-term, the Wild might be particularly motivated to explore a move for Boeser.

1. Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)

If the Isles stay on the outside looking in, they could shift into sell mode, with Brock Nelson as a key trade asset. At 33, he's in the final year of his six-year, $6M deal. A proven three-time 30-goal scorer with playoff experience, Nelson has been a consistent 65+ point producer since 2021, netting 37, 36, and 34 goals respectively since then. Any contender looking for a high-impact second-line center with top power-play deployment should have him on their radar.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.